Warts on the foot

Humanpapillomavirus (HPV) is the virus responsible for viral warts (verrucae). There are currently more that 70 subtypes which cause specific types of infections.

HPV enters our skin on the foot through portals created in our skin by for example, walking on abrasive pool side non-slip tiles, having very moist or very dry feet and other conditions that weaken the skin.

On the face and hands warts can project outwards but on the bottom of the foot is flattened by pressure and covered with hard skin. These can become very large and can spread to others. So starting treatment early is essential.

Treatments are all aimed at destroying the infected area since there is currently no anti-viral drug for warts. Home treatments are discouraged since the weak acids used create further portals in the skin for the virus to spread. Clinical treatments for warts on the foot are by freezing, electrodessication (burning) or using a variety of chemical agents that destroy the particular area. Warts on the foot are difficult to treat and the recurrence rate is high.